Dr. Roger A. Dailey discussed at Hawaiian Eye 2024 that the world of melanoma has undergone significant changes in recent years, with more changes to come. The increase in melanoma cases is likely due to increased awareness and diagnosis. Policy changes in the U.S. have aimed at prevention, and more than 20 states have banned…
A new bill has been introduced in Congress to lower the cost of medicines by making it harder for pharmaceutical companies to use numerous patents to prevent generic competition. This legislation addresses patent thickets, a tactic used by drug companies to obtain numerous patents to protect their monopoly. The controversy has grown as brand-name companies…
The author addresses party leaders, expressing deep concern about declining health and widening health inequalities in the UK. They emphasize that the causes of ill health lie in social and economic conditions and highlight the negative impact of austerity and funding cuts. The author emphasizes the need for a national health inequalities strategy, the appointment…
A study conducted by researchers from Cornell and the University of Toronto found that openly gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men were more likely than those who conceal their orientation to seek care during a global mpox outbreak. However, the study suggests that it wasn’t hiding their sexual orientation that kept some men from…
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association evaluated the association between declines in blood lead levels and changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adult American Indian participants of the Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS). The study focused on the impact of low-level lead exposure on cardiovascular health, examining…
Puberty can be a challenging time for kids, and even more so for those with central precocious puberty (CPP), which causes early signs of sexual maturity. Those with CPP, more common in girls, may develop years earlier than their peers, setting them apart emotionally and physically. Bullying and teasing is common, as well as increased…
A study found that about 20% of US physicians took less than one week of vacation in the previous year, and 70% reported working on days off to handle patient-related tasks. Burnout was more likely among doctors who worked more during vacations and lacked coverage for electronic health messages. The study suggested physicians need more…
A new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has found that tomato consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure. The study observed 7,056 participants and found that those with higher tomato intake experienced a noticeable reduction in blood pressure, particularly those with stage 1 hypertension. Researchers believe…
Six government hospitals are being investigated by the Vigilance department for alleged irregularities in medical supplies. The investigation is looking into potential misuse of funds and improper procurement practices. The hospitals are under scrutiny for potential corruption and mismanagement. The Vigilance department is seeking to uncover any fraudulent activities that may have affected the quality…
The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco brought together healthcare leaders for discussions and networking, with Mayo Clinic partnering with Cerebras Systems for AI models, Boston Scientific acquiring Axonics for $3.7 billion, Amazon launching a program for digital health benefits, Johnson & Johnson buying Ambrx for $2 billion, Abbott integrating FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus…
The Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry is hiring for a position with a salary range of £88,799 – £119,723 per annum. The closing date for applications is Friday 9 February 2024 at 3:30pm. Interested candidates can find the full job description, criteria, and application form on jobs.hscni.net and apply online. A waiting list may be…
The Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies at the National University of Singapore developed a mobile parenting app called the Supportive Parenting app. The app provides information and tips on parenting, baby care, and mental health for mothers dealing with postpartum depression. A study found that the app helped reduce symptoms of depression in mothers…
Nikki Haley, a Republican presidential hopeful and former South Carolina governor, will wait to see how her campaign is received after the Iowa caucuses. She spoke on health care policies while governor, criticizing some of former President Biden’s policies. Haley has also taken positions on Medicare, Social Security, and health equity. Her tenure saw an…
Health care law trends in 2023 included a focus on telehealth, whistleblowers, physician referrals, and provider compliance. Over 95% of False Claims Act cases result from whistleblowers, and the Department of Justice reported $485 million in False Claims Act settlements from January to June 2023. The Office of the Inspector General focused on areas such…
At the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, hospital leaders focused on showcasing the billions of dollars they have in cash and investment reserves, a message that contrasts their plea for more funding to Congress. Nonprofit health systems are trying to appeal to investors by highlighting their financial strength and resilience. Jefferson Health’s CFO expressed gratitude to…
Dai Davies was a rugby captain at medical school and later served as a medical officer with the Royal Air Force in Egypt. He worked as a senior lecturer and consultant anaesthetist at Hammersmith Hospital and St George’s. Source link
A study in Heart Rhythm reports a connection between antipsychotic drugs quetiapine and haloperidol and an increased risk of serious cardiac conditions such as ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The use of these medications is common, so health care professionals and patients need to be aware of these cardiac risks and implement appropriate monitoring…
Researchers evaluated mRNA vaccines’ effectiveness among adolescents in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. The study focused on Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, as well as combining these vaccines. They found that vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 hospitalization was high, ranging from 73% to 86% at six months. This effectiveness remained consistent at extended follow-up to one year…
Advances in the treatment of bipolar disorder over the past 20 years include the development of new medications with fewer side effects. Lithium, while effective, has risks such as kidney and thyroid disease, leading to doctors prescribing lower doses. Anticonvulsant medications and second-generation antipsychotics, with fewer side effects, are also being used more frequently. Long-acting…
Maternal mortality rates in the UK have reached levels not seen since 2003-2005, according to a study by MBRRACE-UK. The maternal death rate in 2020-2022 was 13.41 deaths per 100,000 maternities, compared to 8.79 in 2017-2019. Thrombosis and thromboembolism were the leading causes of maternal death, followed by COVID-19, suicide, and sepsis. The report also…
A new male contraceptive technique called ADAM has shown positive results in a trial, offering long-lasting effects and reversibility similar to IUDs in women. Developed by Contraline, the hydrogel insert can reduce sperm motility and concentration like a vasectomy but is fully reversible. The trial involved 23 healthy men, with a 100% success rate in…
Exposure to residential green space in early life may lead to improved bone health in children, according to a study. The study found that access to green spaces such as parks and gardens was linked to higher levels of physical activity and vitamin D exposure, both of which contribute to bone health. The findings suggest…
New research has found racial disparities in access to obesity care services, including behavioral care and surgical interventions. The study, sponsored by Enara Health, found that people of color have less access to these services compared to their White counterparts, leading to lesser improvements in weight loss and related health conditions. The study also highlighted…
Irish researchers have made a discovery about von Willebrand disease (VWD) that could reduce the risk of complications during surgery and childbirth. VWD is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects blood clotting and impacts approximately one per cent of people worldwide. The researchers found that the age at which individuals are tested for VWD has…
Noom, a digital weight loss company, has partnered with a pharmacy benefit manager, Liviniti, to offer a digital GLP-1 Companion for chronic weight conditions to plan sponsors and their employees. The GLP-1 Companion integrates with PBM processes, offering nutrition guidance and fitness-focused lessons to help those taking GLP-1 medications. Noom aims to support lasting habits…
Los hospitales rurales en Estados Unidos, incluido el Lincoln Community Hospital en Hugo, Colorado, enfrentan dificultades para financiar grandes renovaciones y expansiones. A pesar de la necesidad urgente de actualizar instalaciones obsoletas, la falta de fondos, el aumento de los costos y las reducciones en los pagos de las aseguradoras dificultan el acceso a préstamos…
Dr. Eli L. Chang discussed the use of lateral tarsal strip surgery to address lower eyelid malposition at Hawaiian Eye/Retina 2024. He emphasized the importance of addressing ectropion and entropion malpositions to alleviate symptoms such as tearing and ocular irritation. Dr. Chang also highlighted the association between floppy eyelid syndrome and sleep apnea and recommended…
If you are interested in staying up to date on the latest developments in the biotech industry, you can sign up for the STAT biotech newsletter in your inbox. This week’s newsletter includes topics such as the aftermath of the JPM conference, FDA review of GLP-1 drugs, Novartis’ decision not to acquire Cytokinetics, and a…
Reverend Stanley Monkhouse had a diverse career as an organist, doctor, teacher, Anglican priest, and blogger. He was a medical undergraduate at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where his interest in anatomy and embryology began. In his third year, he studied art history, suggesting a non-traditional career path. Proud of his Cumbrian roots, he pursued various passions…
The Biden administration announced that 20 million Americans have signed up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. This is 8 million more people than when Biden took office. The latest enrollment figures show a quarter more Americans have signed up for coverage compared with last year. This year, Democrats rolled out tax breaks…
Researchers have analyzed the bones and teeth of approximately 5,000 humans who lived across Western Europe and Asia up to 34,000 years ago to create the world’s largest ancient human gene bank. The findings show the historical spread of genes and diseases over time as populations migrated. The study pinpoints the introduction of MS risk…
On a hot day in Nashville, writer Sekou Writes had a hemorrhagic stroke. Research shows strokes are rising in young adults and middle-aged individuals, due to lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity. Sedentary lifestyle during the pandemic may have also contributed to this increase. Writes, who had been on a…
Medicare will now cover an AI-based test for prostate cancer that predicts which men will benefit from androgen deprivation therapy. The Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services approved the payment rate for ArteraAI as a clinical diagnostic test. The test improves risk stratification and personalizes treatment. It combines a patient’s clinical and pathologic information into…
In the United States, flu and COVID-19 cases are increasing following the holiday season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported high or very high levels of respiratory illnesses in 38 states. Around 20,066 people were hospitalized with influenza last week and seven pediatric deaths were reported. COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen, but are…
An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer’s wife from Jharkhand is being interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Berlin Hospital Land case. This case involves alleged irregularities in the acquisition of land in Germany for a hospital project. The ED is investigating potential financial misconduct and illegal transactions related to the case….
The economics of healthcare have historically driven innovation in common conditions with high patient volumes, such as cardiovascular disease. However, as technology grows more sophisticated, the focus in medical discovery is shifting towards solving previously considered impossible problems. Advancements in surgical technology are redefining the boundaries between possible and impossible, particularly in repairing microscopic anatomy…
A cross-border project called iSIMPATYHY has led to improved patient safety by reducing adverse drug reactions. The project, which involved health services in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, trained additional healthcare professionals in polypharmacy and medicines reviews. The project resulted in over 2,500 comprehensive medicines reviews by pharmacists in GP practices in border counties. As…
Fertility treatment-attributed births are similar among patients with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) regardless of fertility treatment pathway. A study found that despite the variety of available treatment options, the effectiveness of different treatment pathways remains unclear. Patients with PCOS were more likely to start their treatment with ovulation induction and were less likely…
Zeta Surgical, a company specializing in surgical robotics and mixed reality, has obtained FDA special 510(k) clearance for its cranial navigation system for neurosurgery. The system offers real-time guidance with millimeter precision, eliminating the need for general anesthesia and rigid skull immobilization. The Special 510(k) clearance covers workflow and performance enhancements, such as streamlined navigation…
Former Health and Human Services secretary Alex Azar, who spent a decade with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Co, has now become the chairman of the board of a company trying to make prescription drug imports happen. The company, LifeScience Logistics, is managing Florida’s Canadian importation program and is being paid $39 million by the…
In a presentation at Hawaiian Eye/Retina 2024, Dr. Joely Kaufman discussed the differences between the five available botulinum toxins for treating glabellar muscle contraction. She advises starting with just one toxin to get used to it before incorporating others. She also highlighted five common glabellar contraction patterns and emphasized the importance of dosing based on…
A new biomedical institute called Arena BioWorks is being launched in Cambridge’s Kendall Square, with $500 million in private funding. The institute aims to shorten the time from research to life-saving medicines by combining drug discovery and company creation under one roof. This model challenges the traditional separation of academic research and venture-backed drug development….
Akhil Chandra Biswas, a consultant paediatrician, former international adviser to the Royal College of Physicians, and professor, has passed away after battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Known as Andy to colleagues and friends in the UK, Biswas was a dedicated scholar committed to paediatric care. Born in pre-independence India, he overcame significant challenges to complete his…
A study published in The Lancet found that patients with severe eosinophilic asthma controlled on bevacizumab can successfully taper their inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) without worsening asthma control. The study involved adults with severe eosinophilic asthma who tapered their high-dose ICS to a medium-dose, low-dose, and as-needed dose. The study found that 92 percent of patients…
Scotland’s NHS Golden Jubilee, the country’s only heart transplant center, is expanding to accommodate the increasing number of heart transplants being performed. The center has opened a second ward to cope with the record number of 40 transplants carried out in 2022-23, becoming the highest volume provider in the UK. Advancements in techniques and technology,…
In the summer of 2005, Qasim Amin Nathari suffered memory loss while giving a sermon at a New Jersey mosque due to medication for severe migraines. He decided to openly address his condition with the congregation and has been met with understanding and support. Having experienced a hemiplegic migraine, he discussed a backup plan with…
The European Medicines Agency has recommended precautionary measures for the treatment of male patients with valproate after concerns about an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children fathered by men treated with the drug. The treatment should be started and supervised by a specialist and the potential risks explained to patients. Regular reviews of the…
The American Red Cross has reported a critical blood shortage in the United States, with donations at an all-time low. This has resulted in a deficit of nearly 7,000 units of blood, impacting hospitals’ ability to meet the demand. This problem is compounded by the upcoming winter weather and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which may…
A study has found that overuse of antibiotics is not the sole factor contributing to the spread of superbugs. Other factors such as poor infection control practices, lack of sanitation, and global travel also play a significant role. The study highlights the importance of addressing these various factors in order to effectively combat the spread…
The use and ownership of endoscopes and other medical instruments in U.S. hospitals come with significant costs and challenges. These instruments are expensive to acquire and maintain, and hospitals often face hidden costs in service contracts and repair agreements. As a result, the healthcare industry is unnecessarily spending millions of dollars on these instruments. To…